A high-level delegation from Tanzania, led by Mr M.C. Mtunga, Director General of the Tanzania Cotton Board, visited the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK) on a mission to foster research and training collaboration.
The four-member Tanzanian team was received by Prof Dr M Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, along with other senior officials. The visit included in-depth discussions with ICCBS faculty members including Dr Abdul Jabbar and Dr Mujeeb.
During the meeting, Mr Mtunga expressed a strong interest in developing lasting partnerships in the areas of cotton and textile science. Talks focused on potential collaborative research projects, joint funding opportunities, and mechanisms for sharing expertise and knowledge.
“We are particularly interested in capacity building and training programs for Tanzanian researchers and professionals in the textile industry,” Mr. Mtunga stated. He praised ICCBS’s contributions to scientific advancement and stressed the importance of innovation and development in regional sectors like textiles.
Prof Dr Raza Shah reaffirmed ICCBS’s commitment to supporting regional and international scientific cooperation. “We believe this partnership can bring meaningful impact. Our doors are open for collaborative efforts aimed at knowledge advancement and problem-solving,” he said.
In a significant gesture, Dr Shah also announced that ICCBS, under the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) program, would extend local hospitality and training opportunities to Tanzanian researchers and trainees visiting Pakistan.
The visit concluded with both sides agreeing to strengthen bilateral ties and move forward with actionable joint initiatives. A commitment was made to maintain regular contact and pursue concrete outcomes in the near future.